Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
08-26-2008, 09:48 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 37
Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
I've been on craigslist looking for used bows. I thought I found a good deal on a Mathews mq1 at $300 ready to hunt but it had a possible cracked limb, whatever it was it didn't look good. Now I'm looking at a used Hoyt UltraMag listed at $450 with everything except arrows. I know that's way too high because I've seen them sold at $275 but the listing said it was negoitiable. I've only been into archey and bowhunting for just over a year and was wondering is there anything to really look out for when looking at used bows? I know to look at limbs and even ran the mq1 to local bow shop before I returned the bow. Thanks for any help in advance.
08-26-2008, 09:57 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location:
Posts: 854
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
This is where a good,trustworthy pro shop can come into play. I would never purchase a used bow (or new for that matter) without inspecting it and shooting it numerous times first. Give the limbs, cams, and risera very close inspection looking for any cracks, ask your pro shop if they will throw it on a press and ask their opinion, try to buy from a source that you trust as much as possible,find outif there are any know problems with that bow model, and lastly shoot it some more, listen closesly for any cracks, squeaks, etc. Bows are unlike guns and will deteriorate over time even if well cared for.
Oh, and buy a Hoyt cause they are tough
Oh, and buy a Hoyt cause they are tough
08-26-2008, 10:13 PM
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 5
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
People sell bows on ebay all the time new and used at GREAT prices as long as you know what your looking for. I personally agree with the above post about wanting to shoot it and inspect it personally. However I do understand that budget is an issue for some people me included I have not purchased a bow off the internet but do know there are some really good deals out there compared to an archery shop. good luck looking!
08-26-2008, 10:19 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Deer Country
Posts: 2,244
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
ORIGINAL: camoguy89
I've been on craigslist looking for used bows. I thought I found a good deal on a Mathews mq1 at $300 ready to hunt but it had a possible cracked limb, whatever it was it didn't look good. Now I'm looking at a used Hoyt UltraMag listed at $450 with everything except arrows. I know that's way too high because I've seen them sold at $275 but the listing said it was negoitiable. I've only been into archey and bowhunting for just over a year and was wondering is there anything to really look out for when looking at used bows? I know to look at limbs and even ran the mq1 to local bow shop before I returned the bow. Thanks for any help in advance.
I've been on craigslist looking for used bows. I thought I found a good deal on a Mathews mq1 at $300 ready to hunt but it had a possible cracked limb, whatever it was it didn't look good. Now I'm looking at a used Hoyt UltraMag listed at $450 with everything except arrows. I know that's way too high because I've seen them sold at $275 but the listing said it was negoitiable. I've only been into archey and bowhunting for just over a year and was wondering is there anything to really look out for when looking at used bows? I know to look at limbs and even ran the mq1 to local bow shop before I returned the bow. Thanks for any help in advance.
08-26-2008, 10:27 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 37
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
I haven't been all measured up but my 28" PSE is on the long side. I pulled a 27.5" and that was good but 27" might be better. The bows I shot at Gander Mountain were tough to pull at 60# but the Mathews Q1 was nice at the same weight. I'd lean toward 50#-60#. I don't really know how to go through this site to do sales but craigslist I can go pick it up semi locally.
08-26-2008, 10:29 PM
#6
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Deer Country
Posts: 2,244
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
ORIGINAL: camoguy89
I haven't been all measured up but my 28" PSE is on the long side. I pulled a 27.5" and that was good but 27" might be better. The bows I shot at Gander Mountain were tough to pull at 60# but the Mathews Q1 was nice at the same weight. I'd lean toward 50#-60#. I don't really know how to go through this site to do sales but craigslist I can go pick it up semi locally.
I haven't been all measured up but my 28" PSE is on the long side. I pulled a 27.5" and that was good but 27" might be better. The bows I shot at Gander Mountain were tough to pull at 60# but the Mathews Q1 was nice at the same weight. I'd lean toward 50#-60#. I don't really know how to go through this site to do sales but craigslist I can go pick it up semi locally.
If your interseted, let me know I can send you pics and ask my Dad what he wants for it.
08-26-2008, 10:35 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Deer Country
Posts: 2,244
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
What what its worth...I'd buy one off of Ebay before I would craigslist. At least you'd have some sort of way to track down who sold you a "lemon" on Ebay.
08-26-2008, 10:41 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 37
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
I'm going to look at it and shoot it and get my hands on it. The bow shop is in the town I'm going to check it out at. I can have it checked out by the bow shop before I buy. That's what I did with the Mathews. I'd much rather pick it up in person locally than have to ship it and send money and all that stuff. No offense to you. I'm not saying you're trying to gyp me I'd just rather do it locally.
08-26-2008, 11:03 PM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Deer Country
Posts: 2,244
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
ORIGINAL: camoguy89
I'm going to look at it and shoot it and get my hands on it. The bow shop is in the town I'm going to check it out at. I can have it checked out by the bow shop before I buy. That's what I did with the Mathews. I'd much rather pick it up in person locally than have to ship it and send money and all that stuff. No offense to you. I'm not saying you're trying to gyp me I'd just rather do it locally.
I'm going to look at it and shoot it and get my hands on it. The bow shop is in the town I'm going to check it out at. I can have it checked out by the bow shop before I buy. That's what I did with the Mathews. I'd much rather pick it up in person locally than have to ship it and send money and all that stuff. No offense to you. I'm not saying you're trying to gyp me I'd just rather do it locally.
08-26-2008, 11:44 PM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SE Ohio
Posts: 2,531
RE: Are there any tips for buying a used bow?
ORIGINAL: camoguy89
I've been on craigslist looking for used bows. I thought I found a good deal on a Mathews mq1 at $300 ready to hunt but it had a possible cracked limb, whatever it was it didn't look good.(STAY AWAY!!!) Now I'm looking at a used Hoyt UltraMag listed at $450 with everything except arrows. I know that's way too high because I've seen them sold at $275 but the listing said it was negoitiable. (That bow only sold for about $350-399 NEW!!! WAY OVERPRICED!!!) I've only been into archey and bowhunting for just over a year and was wondering is there anything to really look out for when looking at used bows? I know to look at limbs and even ran the mq1 to local bow shop before I returned the bow. Thanks for any help in advance.
I've been on craigslist looking for used bows. I thought I found a good deal on a Mathews mq1 at $300 ready to hunt but it had a possible cracked limb, whatever it was it didn't look good.(STAY AWAY!!!) Now I'm looking at a used Hoyt UltraMag listed at $450 with everything except arrows. I know that's way too high because I've seen them sold at $275 but the listing said it was negoitiable. (That bow only sold for about $350-399 NEW!!! WAY OVERPRICED!!!) I've only been into archey and bowhunting for just over a year and was wondering is there anything to really look out for when looking at used bows? I know to look at limbs and even ran the mq1 to local bow shop before I returned the bow. Thanks for any help in advance.